If you’re on a family holiday in Sabah or a foodie in Kota Kinabalu, this is one restaurant that you won’t find listed on any typical Sabah travel packages. Nestled in Kinabalu Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, Liwagu Restaurant is a true hidden gem. No more gatekeeping, here’s why this high-altitude dining experience is one you shouldn’t miss.
Getting there
To get to Liwagu Restaurant, drive 1.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park. It’s perfect for a day-trip or a long weekend adventure. Enjoy the scenic mountain roads along the way and you’ll soon find yourself at one of the top eco resorts in Sabah, 1,500m above sea level.
What to do there
Before we get down to the food, take one of the many Kinabalu Park hiking trails through the lush protected forest. Check in with the local experts to guide you on your nature adventure. Here are some walks you can take to work up an appetite.
Silau-Silau Trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete. It’s known to have slightly challenging terrain. Along the way you’ll spot some interesting fungi and flora. It also has some great spots for birdwatching.
Mampening Trail will take about 2 hours. It’s a relatively flat trail with some climbing, ideal for families with young children. It’s perfect for a relaxing venture into greenery, letting the day unfold at your own pace.
Mountain View is small, but mighty. This steep trail begins at the entrance of the Mount Kinabalu trailhead. It takes only 15 minutes but make sure you’re wearing shoes with a strong grip. Your reward is one of the
best views of Mount Kinabalu and the Kadamaian Waterfall.
Come for the food
Now, it’s time for the food. Liwagu Restaurant is not your typical resort eatery. It offers a refined dining experience with a curated menu of western and local cuisine. It has an extensive selection of soups, salads and entrees. But don’t miss out on the chef’s special local dishes.
Ayam goreng berempah is a chicken leg coated with local spices and fried to perfection. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed full of flavour. It’s served with steamed rice and a homemade tomato chutney.
Liwagu fried rice is a buttery garlic fried rice that leaves you wanting more. It’s packed with proteins—egg, prawns, chicken—and a bouquet of local produce like pumpkin, yam, and long beans. Definitely not your typical fried rice.
A hearty highland steamboat feast
Another must-try at Liwagu Restaurant is the steamboat—a favourite among locals for good reason. Few things compare to enjoying fresh local produce, gently cooked in a pot of bubbling broth in the crisp, cool mountain air.
It’s an experience best shared with family or friends, especially after a long hike when you’ve truly earned a hearty meal. Dig into a generous spread of vegetables, fish, meat, and of course, the essential condiments every steamboat lover appreciates.
Gathered around the steaming pot at the centre of the table, you’ll find the warm, nourishing soup almost healing—comfort food elevated by the mountain atmosphere.
If you can’t decide what to order, Liwagu Restaurant offers a buffet option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Early breakfast is especially popular among hikers on a Mount Kinabalu climb package as Kinabalu Park is also the starting point to the 2-day summit climb to Low’s Peak.
Stay for the vibes
Here’s a little-known tip: the al fresco terrace at Liwagu Restaurant offers breathtaking views. Snag a table here and unwind to sweeping panoramas of the rainforest.
Inside, the restaurant is a picture of cosy elegance, like being in a Christmas movie mountain chalet. Stone pillars against slanted wood panel roofs, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows create a space worthy of architecture magazines—and definitely on your Instagram feed. After your meal, wind down with a glass from the extensive wine menu or a comforting mug of teh tarik by the fireplace. Either way, you’ll feel right at home.
Stay the night
Best of all, Liwagu Restaurant is attached to one of the best luxury resorts in Sabah, operated by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Stay a night at one of their exclusive villas that offers all the modern day comforts paired with quiet luxury. This way, you get to experience all that Kinabalu Park has to offer.
ALSO READ: What to do on your long weekend in Sabah
Book a dining experience you won’t forget with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.
